"Crazy Rich Asians" (2018) Review

“Crazy Rich Asians”: the wildly entertaining Rom-Com we’ve been waiting for.

Directed by: Jon M. Chu

Rated: PG-13

Runtime: 2:01

Review by: Livi Edmonson

Certified fresh with a 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, “Crazy Rich Asians” takes the cake for August’s biggest box office hit.  Based off of the best-selling 2013 novel of the same name, “Crazy Rich Asians” tells the story of Economics professor Rachel Chu (Constance Wu), as she takes a trip East with her boyfriend Nick (Henry Golding), to finally meet his family and attend his best friend’s wedding in Singapore. Rachel soon comes to find out that the Nick she is dating is Nick Young, son of one of the richest families in Singapore. Not only does Nick’s mother disapprove of Rachel’s Chinese American ethnicity but also the social status of her and her family. 

This film is officially the first Hollywood film focused solely on an Asian story in 25 years. 25 years is a very long time and it is absolutely baffling that Asian representation in Hollywood film has been an issue for this long. Director Jon M. Chu mentioned that the creators and producers of the film turned down many huge money-making opportunities from streaming studios such as Netflix to make this film, ensuring that “Crazy Rich Asians” would make it into theaters everywhere for everyone to see. In doing this, everyone involved with the film was biting off more than they could chew, taking a risk with the movie. 

However, it is now obvious that everyone’s efforts in the film paid off and what was originally supposed to be just an Asian Rom-Com movie is now a movement in modern cinema. Hopefully because of this movement “Crazy Rich Asians” has now started, there will now be a call to action for filmmakers to make more Asian-centric Hollywood films.

Did I mention that every single second of “Crazy Rich Asians” is wildly entertaining? Honestly, wildly entertaining is an understatement because I can officially say that this is not only one of the best romantic comedies I have seen in a long time, but also one of the best films I have ever seen in general. 

The cast is just one of the biggest reasons why “Crazy Rich Asians” is such a spectacular flick. Constance Wu, who you may know from ABC’s tv show “Fresh Off the Boat”, does an outstanding job leading the entire film and presenting a strong role model for every woman in the audience. Henry Golding, who is more of an up and coming actor also does an amazing job with his character. (Not to mention that he might very well be the dreamiest actor alive.)

There are also some brilliant performances by supporting actors to be noted, such as scene-stealing appearances by the always hilarious Awkwafina (“Ocean’s 8”) and the equally amusing Ken Jeong (“The Hangover”). These are just a few of the many Asian actors that make up this dream cast. As I always say, casting is key and “Crazy Rich Asians” absolutely nails it.

Another element of this film that adds to its overall entertainment value is an element most audience members won’t catch on to, but filmmakers and critics will enjoy: the editing. I could go on and on about how fantastic the editing and camera work is with this film. From the graphics shown within the beginning and end credits, to the vibrant and fun cinematography: “Crazy Rich Asians” shows its audience a genuinely flawless film.

In conclusion, if you are looking to see a romantic comedy that everyone will enjoy, “Crazy Rich Asians” is the flick for you. Whether it is the extravagant food, the glamorous real estate, or the absolutely fabulous costumes: this is film is insanely great and I cannot say it enough!!! Not only will you be laughing, smiling, and crying the whole time, but also supporting a monumental moment in cinema that has already made a huge impact in this era of film. GO see it now!!!